Glasgow Clutha helicopter crash fund opened

Police have named the nine people who died. Picture: PA

More than 100 people were in the Clutha bar in the city centre on Friday night when the helicopter dropped out of the sky ‘’like a stone’’, crashing through the pub’s roof.

Glasgow City Council has opened the Clutha Appeal Fund to support anyone facing hardship as a result of the accident.

Existing charitable funds of £20,000 is being used and the council says it has received “generous offers of support” from businesses, charities and individuals from across Glasgow.

Meanwhile First Minister Alex Salmond announced that the Scottish Government will match-fund the council’s contribution.

The city’s Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, said: “Around the world, people have admired the courage shown by ordinary Glaswegians whose first instinct when tragedy struck was to run towards danger to help those in peril.

“Today, that desire to help is still strong and the Clutha Appeal Fund will give the city an opportunity to make sure the care, compassion and solidarity it has shown in the last few days continues.

“Glasgow is famous for its heart and its generosity and I am very proud, but not at all surprised, that so many people across the city want to help those who are suffering.”

The council said anyone directly affected by the crash who needs financial support can call the helpline on 0141 287 0999.

Donations can be made to the fund by calling 0141 287 7878 and paying by debit or credit card. Cash or cheques can be handed in to the council’s service desk at 45 John Street, Glasgow G1 1JE and bank payments can be made to Clutha Appeal Fund, sort code 83-44-00, account 10804129.

Mr Salmond said: “It is important now that we allow the bereaved families the support, but also the time and privacy, to grieve in peace.

“Glasgow City Council has established a fund for affected families and I can confirm that the Scottish Government will match-fund the council’s contribution. The council has now established a hotline for those who want to make donations, as well as a dedicated helpline for those in need of support.”

Those inside the pub who died were Robert Jenkins, 61, and Mark O’Prey, 44, both from East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire; 33-year-old Colin Gibson, of Ayr, South Ayrshire; John McGarrigle, 57, from Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire; Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley, and Samuel McGhee, 56, of Glasgow.

All three of the helicopter’s crew died. They were pilot David Traill, 51, and officers Kirsty Nelis, 36, and Tony Collins, 43.

After the crash 32 people were taken to hospital and 11 are still being treated there.

Floral tributes to be moved

Floral tributes laid at the scene of the crash are being moved to a more “appropriate” location this afternoon, the council said.

Emergency services personnel and council staff are moving the tributes from Stockwell Street to an area on a walkway by the River Clyde just opposite the Clutha Vaults.

A council spokesman said: “The current location is on a footpath beside a busy road and the new location, just off Clyde Street, is safer and considered to be more appropriate. The relocation will be carried out with utmost respect and dignity.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Gordon Matheson will also lay a floral tribute at the new site this afternoon.

MORE ON THE CRASH

• Clegg visits Glasgow crash site

• Carmichael praises police

• Teen arrested over Clutha comments

• Families grieve for victims of crash